My blog is mostly about wildlife, particularly birds, walking, days out, all growing things and anything else that comes to mind.
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Monday 4 August 2008

On reflection!

Today has been one of those - nothing in particular days!! I had to take my car to the garage, (for it's MOT - which the old girl passed I'm delighted to say - the car that is!!!) So backwards and forwards on the bus - very relaxing but not the most exciting of things to do.

I started thinking about photography. I had a Brownie 127 when I were but a lass and that's, I suppose, where it all started. Many years went past and then, with more modern cameras, I bought a film SLR and eventually graduated to the modern days' digital SLR; the rest, as we all know, is history.

However! (oh yes, there's always a "however" with me!) I got to thinking about "photography" and what it means.

To me, it's so much more than taking pictures. I was extremely flattered today when someone said (referring to my self-description on my blog of being an "amateur" photographer)that she didn't feel my pictures were at all amateurish and, in fact, they had inspired her with taking her own pictures.

I can't tell you how enormously pleased that made me feel. Not that the lady in question found my pictures more than "amateur" standard (that was a huge compliment in itself) but I have, quite unintentionally, inspired someone whom I've never met, to enjoy taking pictures and to aim to get better in so doing.

Taking pictures, must encourage you to look at your subject from a different perspective. Looking through the viewfinder concentrates the eye (and mind) on what you can see within the limitations of the viewfinder. It should also, (in my humble opinion) encourage and inspire you to look at life in different perspectives as well. To attempt to get out of the "norm" and say, "OK, suppose I looked at it this way?". Not easy I know, but just occasionally, take a breath; take a step away; and think "could I see this differently?"

That I could have inspired anyone at all, to do anything at all, is probably the kindest and most rewarding compliment anyone could pay me so

a HUGE thank you to Jayne for your very kind words.

6 comments:

Cheryl said...

Your photographs are above the norm Tricia and as you say it is wonderful to get such a huge compliment....
I was never interested in photography until I started working with insects.....I am now in love with the camera and the things I photograph...and as you say standing back and looking at things from a different perspective.....I have only just learnt that one...

Interesting post.....and your photographs are very professional.....well done you....

Anonymous said...

Beautifully put Tricia.
I agree with what Jayne & Cheryl say. Excellent stuff. Keep it up.

oldcrow61 said...

You're pictures are wonderful Tricia. I remember the one and only camera I had was a "something" 110. A foolish little thing by all accounts and I rarely used it. Now that I've had my digital for almost two years my eyes see things I'd never have noticed before. I'm always on the look out now, lol. I love this wonderful world of photography.

Tricia Ryder said...

Cheryl, Dean and OC - thank you all so much for your kind comments.

OC - couldn't agree more - love photography and couldn't be without a camera now!

Anonymous said...

Tricia, you could refer to yourself as an enthusiast rather than amateur! However, amateur does not necessarily imply lower standards or results. The definition of amateur is one who is 'engaged in a particular pursuit, study or science without formal training or pay', so it really is not a label to be ashamed of. It explains you, Quacky, me, and everyone else who uses their camera as a hobby.

Tricia Ryder said...

Digibirder - now getting paid would be rather nice :D

and "goes off to amend profile, following very sensible suggestion"

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